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Thailand Ready to Welcome 191 Countries to the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group

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Showcasing Thai Soft Power to the World

BANGKOK, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand jointly proclaimed Thailand’s readiness to host the “2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group”. This premier global economic and financial forum—often referred to as the “Olympics of Finance”—will take place on 12–18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok. Over 15,000 delegates from 191 countries, including global policymakers, economists, government representatives, private sector executives, and members of the media, will gather to discuss the future of the global economy. This marks a historic return after Thailand set a milestone with its successful and prestigious debut as host in 1991.

Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stated that hosting this summit is a major opportunity to deliver tangible benefits to Thailand and its citizens. It will stimulate the economy, elevate Thailand’s global credibility, and internationally showcase local community capabilities internationally under the concept of “Empowering Community: From Local to Global.”

As host, Thailand has introduced the core theme: “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience.” This theme aligns with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) a paradigm which promotes a balanced, sustainable, resilient, and people-centric development framework.

In driving policy on the global stage, the Thai government has linked its vision and fiscal policies to address today’s challenges, building economic strength and readiness to cope with change across all dimensions. This is achieved through four pillars that represent key strategic issues currently being addressed by countries worldwide, comprising:

Digital and AI Transformation for Inclusive and Resilient Growth: Thailand stands ready to serve as a model for other nations in developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), highlighting success stories like PromptPay and Cross-Border QR payments, as well as the integration of data and AI to optimize public services and healthcare policies with precision.

Building Resilience in a Fragmented World: Showcasing Thailand’s potential as a “Trusted Hub” for trade, finance, and investment in Asia, while promoting highly resilient supply chains and innovative forms of international cooperation.

Building a New Financial Architecture for Climate Adaptation: Championing the reform of global financial structures to support equitable energy transitions and climate adaptation.

Demographic Change and the Longevity Economy: Turning the challenges of an aging society into economic opportunities and robust financial preparedness.

In addition to policy discussions, a major highlight of the event is the presentation of Thai identity and soft power to elevate the country’s image and impress global delegates. The venue will feature handwoven textiles with unique local patterns curated from 21 provinces and 26 communities, totaling 37 heritage designs—such as Tai Lue Teen Jok woven fabric, elephant-patterned Pakaoma, and hand-painted “Buppha Borom Rachineenart” batik—made with acoustic panels and integrated into the interior decor to showcase traditional Thai wisdom. Furthermore, Geographical Indication (GI) products will be showcased and served, giving international delegates a taste of authentic Thai flavors, including premium, hand-selected 100% Thai Jasmine Rice, reflecting the abundance of Thailand as the region’s agricultural “rice bowl.”

Mr. Ekniti added that the host government is accelerating efforts to establish the event as a national agenda through the “Road to Thailand” communication campaign. This campaign aims to engage all sectors—government agencies, academic institutions, businesses, and the public—emphasizing that this meeting is not just for policymakers and academics, but directly touches the lives of everyone. This is reflected in the active involvement of youth, local communities, and small enterprises in the preparation and execution of the event. In the short term, the influx of high-spending global visitors will immediately boost the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“Thailand’s preparations are meticulous, down to the finest detail. The government has elevated operations through three subcommittees: the Subcommittee on the Substance, ensuring a powerful driving force for the core theme; the Subcommittee on Protocol and Logistics, guaranteeing an exceptional experience that exceeds delegate expectations; and the Subcommittee on Security, ensuring a safe, orderly, and seamless event that inspires absolute confidence. Currently, Thailand is 100% ready. This July, delegations from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group are in Bangkok for their final evaluation, known as the ‘July Mission.’ Under a collaborative framework across all sectors, we have established a seamless control and operations system to ensure absolute readiness in all aspects,” said Mr. Ekniti.

Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), highlighted that with Thailand’s global leadership in digital financial infrastructure—particularly through systems like PromptPay and Cross-Border QR payments—the BOT aims to showcase the future of the financial world under the concept of “Safe & Inclusive Digital Finance (SIDF).” This will demonstrate to the global community that digital finance must not only be fast but also highly secure and inclusive of all.

To achieve a safe and inclusive financial system, three key mechanisms are required: (1) managing digital fraud, scams, and digital crimes that directly impact confidence in the financial system; (2) mitigating cyber resilience risks to ensure the financial system can withstand technology-related vulnerabilities, given that the current system still relies on highly concentrated infrastructure and service providers; and (3) creating an accessible and fair enabling ecosystem to prevent financial exclusion and inequality, particularly in an era where unequal access to AI and digital footprints could create new forms of disparity if policies are not designed carefully.

The heart of this approach is a people-centric financial policy. Beyond protecting citizens from financial cyber threats, it unlocks fair access to capital and credit for small players, vulnerable groups, the elderly, and SMEs, ultimately enhancing their quality of life with safety and equality.

As the host central bank, the BOT is ready to make history by introducing the “Bangkok Blueprint” policy framework. Developed in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, this global output will serve as a policy compass that countries can adapt to their unique contexts to build trust in the digital financial era.

The framework will cover robust policy and legal foundations, fraud prevention and detection, enhanced inter-agency and international cooperation, and raising public financial literacy and digital resilience.

“The Bangkok Blueprint is designed to be one of the key deliverables of this summit, bridging Thailand’s national theme with global priorities. Since digital financial threats are a challenge faced by every nation, this blueprint demonstrates Thailand’s global thought leadership, turning concepts into actionable, concrete frameworks to address challenges and foster international cooperation,” concluded Mr. Vitai.

For more information on the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group and the “Road to Thailand” campaign, visit the official channels: Website: https://www.am2026thailand.go.th or Facebook: AM2026 Thailand https://www.facebook.com/AM2026THAILAND.

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SOURCE The Ministry of Finance of Thailand and The Bank of Thailand

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Jamie Knight Named Chief Studios Officer to Accelerate Studio Innovation and Growth

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6 minutes ago

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September 21, 2026

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Knight to Build on the Global Studio Foundation Established by Jean Venneman, Who Will Retire After More Than 30 Years in Gaming

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IGT announced today that, Jamie Knight will assume the role of Chief Studios Officer on Jan. 1, 2027, succeeding Jean Venneman, who will retire at the end of 2026 following more than 30 years in gaming. Knight will build on the strong foundation established under Venneman’s leadership and lead IGT’s continued studio investments, driving innovation across game design, content development and studio operations.

Knight brings two decades of experience across the industry’s largest suppliers, with deep expertise in translating creative vision into player-favorite content. Having begun her career as a creative, she understands the collaborative process required to transform original concepts into successful products, a perspective that will inform her leadership of studio operations.

Jean Venneman, who will retire on December 31, 2026, began her career at IGT in the early 1990s and went on to hold senior leadership roles across product development, licensing, technology and operations before rejoining IGT in 2024. Since returning, she has rebuilt the company’s global studio operations from the ground up. Under her leadership, she assembled and empowered a world-class studio team with more than 1,200 employees, established shared best practices across studio cultures and created the operational and creative foundation that positions IGT and Everi for accelerated growth.

“Jean’s leadership created the foundation for this next phase of growth,” said Hector Fernandez, IGT CEO. “She brought together talented teams, strengthened how our studios operate and raised the bar for creative and operational excellence. We are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed to our organization and our industry. Jamie’s combination of creative instinct, studio leadership and focus on innovation in design and math will build on that momentum and unlock new possibilities across our combined studio organization.”

As Chief Studios Officer, Knight will establish clear priorities for studio teams, drive innovation in game mechanics and mathematical modeling, and create an environment where creative talent can do exceptional work. Her vision centers on delivering the most dynamic and engaging content that meets the evolving demands of players and operators globally.

“I’m energized to lead our studio teams and build on the strong foundation in place,” said Jamie Knight, incoming Chief Studios Officer. “Together with our talented teams across IGT and Everi, we’ll push the boundaries of what’s possible in game design, content strategy, and math innovation to deliver world-class experiences on the floor.”

“Returning to this organization and helping strengthen our global studio organization has been a meaningful way to close my career,” said Jean Venneman, Chief Studios Officer. “I am incredibly proud of our studio teams and the foundation we have created. I am confident Jamie will carry that momentum forward and help unlock the next phase of our growth.”

For more information, follow IGT on Facebook and LinkedIn or watch IGT videos on YouTube.

About IGT
IGT is a leading global provider of gaming, digital and financial technology solutions, formed through the combination of International Game Technology PLC’s Gaming & Digital Business and Everi Holdings Inc. IGT and Everi’s offering spans gaming machines, game content and systems, iGaming, sports betting, cash access, loyalty and player engagement solutions, enabling it to deliver integrated, customer-centric experiences across land-based and digital environments. Organized into Gaming, Digital and FinTech business units, the organization drives innovation, efficiency and value for casino, digital and hospitality operators worldwide. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas.

Contact:
Phil O’Shaughnessy, Global Communications
Toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452
Outside U.S./Canada +1 (775) 448-0257

© 2026 IGT

The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of IGT, its affiliates or its licensors.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jamie-knight-named-chief-studios-officer-to-accelerate-studio-innovation-and-growth-302884034.html

SOURCE IGT

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Lysander Announces Cash Distributions for the Lysander-Canso ActivETFs

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6 minutes ago

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September 21, 2026

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TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2026 /CNW/ — Lysander Funds Limited (“Lysander”) announces the September 2026 cash distributions for each of Lysander-Canso Corporate Treasury ActivETF, Lysander-Canso Floating Rate ActivETF and Lysander-Canso Credit Income ActivETF (TSX: LYCT) (TSX: LYFR) and (TSX: PBY) respectively (each, an “ETF” and collectively, the “ETFs”). Unitholders of record of each ETF at the close of business on the Distribution Record Date will receive a cash distribution based on the number of units held in the amount indicated below, payable on or before the Payment Date.

ETF

Distribution per unit

Distribution Record Date

Payment Date

Lysander-Canso Corporate Treasury ActivETF

$0.0128

September 29, 2026

October 13, 2026

Lysander-Canso Floating Rate ActivETF

$0.0193

September 29, 2026

October 13, 2026

Lysander-Canso Credit Income ActivETF

$0.0417

September 29, 2026

October 13, 2026

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. 

®Lysander Funds is a registered trademark of Lysander Funds Limited.

SOURCE Lysander Funds Limited

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DAXIO Sets Three-Year Public-Market Pathway Towards a $1 Billion Valuation

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1 hour ago

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September 21, 2026

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Founder-owned trade show and commercial-technology company combines 12 specialist US events, proprietary DealConnect technology, $35.7 million in annual commercial capacity and a high-margin AI-powered operating model

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DAXIO today set out its three-year pathway towards a public-market listing and a $1 billion enterprise valuation.

“With 12 specialist events, proprietary DealConnect technology and $35.7 million in annual commercial capacity, DAXIO has a defined three-year pathway to a $1 billion valuation and public-market listing.” — Dawn Barclay-Ross, Founder and Chief Executive, DAXIO

Founded and wholly owned by international trade show organizer Dawn Barclay-Ross, DAXIO has established a portfolio of 12 specialist US events supported by proprietary DealConnect technology, qualified Hosted Buyer programmes and a portfolio-wide AI operating system.

The portfolio contains approximately $35.7 million in maximum annual commercial inventory capacity: $32.2 million in stand inventory and $3.54 million in sponsorship, advertising and Thought Leadership opportunities.

At 35%, 60% and 85% inventory realization, annual portfolio revenues are approximately $12.5 million, $21.4 million and $30.4 million respectively.

DAXIO’s current cost model indicates the potential for portfolio contribution margins above 90% at scale, reflecting its AI-powered infrastructure, centralized technology and capital-efficient operating structure.

“The next billion-dollar exhibition business will not resemble the last generation of exhibition groups,” said Barclay-Ross, Founder and Chief Executive of DAXIO.

“It will combine deep industry expertise with proprietary technology, intelligent automation and disciplined commercial execution. It will be faster, leaner and more accountable for the business value created at every event. That is DAXIO.”

Twelve events. One scalable commercial platform.

DAXIO’s 2027 portfolio comprises InfraBuild, PowerXpo, EnerWasteXpo, AgriTechXpo, BioGenomic Health Expo, Advanced Medical Device Show, NextGen MedTech Xpo, InsureCap, SmartMfg, AerospaceXpo, DefenseXpo and TalentTech.

Together, the events establish DAXIO across infrastructure, energy, environmental services, agriculture, healthcare, medical technology, insurance, manufacturing, aerospace, defense and workforce technology.

The portfolio has capacity for up to 5,856 stand-equivalent positions across the full commercially deployable event footprint.

Its multi-sector structure creates diversified revenue opportunities through stand sales, sponsorship, advertising, Thought Leadership, commercial partnerships and technology.

DealConnect moves the model beyond networking

DAXIO’s principal technology asset is DealConnect, created by Barclay-Ross to move business-event matchmaking beyond profile-swiping, unqualified introductions and chance encounters.

DealConnect assesses more than 500 data points across capability, compliance and financial dimensions to identify stronger-fit commercial opportunities during DAXIO events.

It operates alongside DAXIO’s qualified Hosted Buyer programmes. Approved buyers with purchasing responsibility and confirmed budgets may receive flights and hotel accommodation in return for agreeing to attend scheduled meetings with exhibitors during the event.

“Attendance is not the commercial outcome,” Barclay-Ross said. “The outcome is whether the right organizations meet, whether the opportunity is credible and whether that conversation can progress into business. DealConnect is designed around that standard.”

A three-year pathway to public markets

DAXIO’s public-market pathway is structured around five measurable drivers:

Converting revenue across the existing 12-event portfolioExtending the portfolio into further specialist and international marketsEstablishing recurring commercial revenues through DealConnectPreserving high margins through AI-powered executionAchieving institutional standards of governance, reporting and financial control 

Barclay-Ross has applied 25 years of international trade show and business-development experience to create an integrated exhibitions and commercial-technology company without the inherited cost base of a conventional exhibition group.

DAXIO is wholly founder-owned and independent of private-equity ownership, institutional exhibition groups and external corporate control.

“The first 12 events give DAXIO significant commercial scale. DealConnect creates proprietary technology value. Our AI operating system provides the execution capacity to operate across multiple specialist markets while protecting margin,” Barclay-Ross said.

“The pathway is already defined: convert the existing inventory, extend the portfolio, establish recurring technology income and enter the public markets as a high-growth exhibitions and commercial-technology company.

“The platform exists. The commercial capacity is quantified. The margin model is compelling. The route is repeatable. DAXIO’s pathway to a $1 billion valuation is underway.”

Strategic capital window closes September 25

DAXIO’s current $200,000 strategic-capital participation window closes on Friday, September 25, 2026.

The capital will be deployed directly into revenue-generating activity across the existing portfolio, including exhibitor and sponsor acquisition, qualified-buyer development, commercial marketing, technology deployment and sales execution.

The current financing provides a time-limited opportunity for eligible investors to participate at the beginning of DAXIO’s three-year public-market pathway.

Confidential company and investment information is available to eligible investors and professional advisers directly from DAXIO.

About DAXIO

DAXIO is a founder-owned, independent trade show and commercial-technology company headquartered in Florida.

Its portfolio comprises 12 specialist US business events supported by proprietary DealConnect technology, qualified Hosted Buyer programmes and an AI-powered operating infrastructure.

DAXIO is executing a three-year pathway towards a $1 billion enterprise valuation and public-market listing.

Media and investor enquiries

Dawn Barclay-Ross
Founder and Chief Executive
DAXIO
dawn@infrabuildXpo.com
+1 561 785 3120

Media Contact

Dawn Barclay-Ross, Capital Connect International Events Inc dba DAXIO, 1 5617853120, dawn@capitalconnectevents.com, https://www.infrabuildxpo.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/daxio-sets-three-year-public-market-pathway-towards-a-1-billion-valuation-302884930.html

SOURCE Capital Connect International Events Inc dba DAXIO

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